Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys Prepare for Season Finale Against Giants

As the Dallas Cowboys close out the 2025 NFL season, attention turns to Week 18, when the team faces the New York Giants in East Rutherford. For the 7-8-1 Cowboys, the matchup carries no playoff implications, as Dallas has already been eliminated from postseason contention. Yet, the team is motivated to finish the year on a high note, building momentum and pride heading into the offseason.

Riding Momentum: Back-to-Back Wins in Sight

The Cowboys enter Week 18 on a positive note after defeating the Washington Commanders 30-23 in Week 17, snapping a three-game losing streak. The win marked Dallas’ first victory in four contests, and the team will be aiming for consecutive wins to close the season.

Quarterback Dak Prescott, a four-time Pro Bowler, has led the team through a season of highs and lows, and the matchup against the Giants provides an opportunity to reinforce leadership and team standards. While the game may be technically “non-bearing” in terms of playoff stakes, Prescott and the Cowboys view it as a chance to end the season with discipline, effort, and professionalism.

Prescott’s Late-Hit Incident Against Washington

Week 17 was not without drama. Prescott was involved in a contentious incident after taking a hard hit from Washington linebacker Frankie Luvu. The sequence occurred at the 5:58 mark of the third quarter: Prescott was sacked by Von Miller, and shortly afterward, several Washington players moved in to tackle the quarterback again.

Luvu delivered a late hit on Prescott as he was spiking the ball in frustration. Replay review indicated that Luvu likely did not realize Prescott had already been sacked. Nonetheless, the tackle was ruled excessive, resulting in an unnecessary roughness penalty against Luvu, which negated Miller’s sack and imposed a 15-yard penalty on the Commanders.

Social media captured the moment and reactions highlighted that the incident appeared to be a heat-of-the-moment mistake rather than intentional malice:

“Clearly a mistake as Luvu didn’t realize Dak was down in the heat of the moment.” — Mark Tyler, Hogs Haven

NFL Review and Fines

The NFL Officiating Department routinely reviews all unnecessary roughness penalties for potential fines or additional discipline. In Week 17 alone, the league issued fines for 21 unnecessary roughness incidents, with notable fines against Azeez Al-Shaair of the Houston Texans and Alontae Taylor of the New Orleans Saints, each receiving $23,186 for helmet-related infractions.

Fortunately for Luvu, he was not included in the NFL’s Week 17 fines list, as announced via the league’s gameday accountability report. The Commanders linebacker has now avoided another substantial fine, though his history indicates a pattern of aggressive play.

Luvu’s Fine History

Frankie Luvu has previously been fined eight times in his career, totaling $245,242. In 2025 alone, he has been penalized for three hip-drop tackles, with his third violation resulting in a $100,000 fine instead of a suspension after appeal. Luvu’s disciplinary record highlights the league’s ongoing focus on player safety and proper tackling techniques, especially regarding quarterbacks.

Looking Ahead: Cowboys vs. Giants

As Dallas travels to East Rutherford for their season finale, the focus will be on finishing strong. While the game carries no playoff stakes, the Cowboys aim to:

• Build momentum heading into the offseason

• Reward fans with a competitive performance

• Reinforce team culture and standards under Prescott’s leadership

Prescott, who has endured a season of highs and lows, will be the focal point of the offense and a mentor for younger players, emphasizing professionalism regardless of the standings.

Washington’s Season Finale

The Commanders, who were involved in the Week 17 incident with Prescott, will also be on the road in Week 18, facing the defending Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, at Lincoln Financial Field. This provides context for the competitive environment both teams will face, as each squad looks to end their season positively despite missing the playoffs.

Prescott’s Leadership Amid Adversity

One of the defining narratives of the Cowboys’ 2025 season has been Dak Prescott’s leadership. The late-hit incident against Luvu, while unfortunate, underscores the physical and emotional challenges NFL quarterbacks face weekly. Prescott’s ability to maintain composure, avoid injury, and continue leading the team reflects his professionalism and dedication.

By approaching Week 18 as an opportunity to end the season with effort and pride, Prescott sets an example for younger players and reinforces the importance of team culture over individual statistics. The Cowboys’ performance in their final game will be a reflection of that mindset.

Key Takeaways for Fans

While the final game may not affect playoff seeding, there are several key storylines for Cowboys fans to follow in Week 18:

1. Dak Prescott’s leadership – Watching how Prescott manages the game and supports his teammates despite a lost season.

2. Team resilience – Assessing how the Cowboys close out the season after a turbulent campaign.

3. Player safety and discipline – Monitoring how the NFL handles late hits and unnecessary roughness incidents moving forward.

4. Momentum for 2026 – Identifying performances that may influence roster decisions and development heading into the offseason.

Conclusion: A Season Finale With Purpose

For the Dallas Cowboys, Week 18 against the New York Giants is more than a formality. It is a chance to finish the season on a positive note, uphold team culture, and demonstrate resilience and professionalism under Dak Prescott’s leadership.

While the outcome will not alter the playoffs, it will leave fans, players, and coaches with a sense of pride and closure. Prescott’s ability to lead through adversity, stay focused after incidents like the Luvu late hit, and guide the team through a challenging season underscores his value as both a quarterback and a locker-room leader.

In the end, Dallas Cowboys fans will be watching not just for the score, but for the standards, effort, and commitment Prescott and his teammates display on the field—a fitting way to close the 2025 campaign.